How to Make a 3D Nucleus

A nucleus is the controller of a cell, like a captain on a ship. It is in charge of keeping the integrity of DNA and carrying out a specific function like growth, metabolic rate and reproduction. A nucleus is made up of three main parts: the nucleolus, the chromatin and the nuclear envelope. Everyday craft materials can easily provide what you need to create a 3D model of a nucleus.

Things You'll Need

Knife

Large polystyrene foam ball

Small polystyrene foam ball

Craft glue

Paint for polystyrene foam

Ribbon

Toothpicks

Paper

Tape

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Cut out one quarter of the large and small polystyrene foam ball.

Glue the quarter slice of the small ball to center of the large cut ball. Hold the small ball securely in place until the glue has completely dried.

Paint the exterior of the large polystyrene foam ball, the interior of the large ball and the small ball three separate colors. Let the paint dry.

Glue a piece of ribbon around the interior edges of the large styrofoam ball.

Make labels by cutting and taping small pieces of paper to the tops of toothpicks. Write the name of each part of the nucleus on the labels and gently poke the toothpicks into the correct locations on the balls.

Inset three toothpicks in a triangle onto the bottom of the model so the ball can stand on its own.

Tips & Warnings

Spray paint will melt the styrofoam and acrylic paint will resist the surface. Polystyrene foam paint is the best option for coloring the ball.